Iceland12
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"He just has to learn the value of being consistent, and that comes with playing time," Claeys said. "That's the first time he's been involved in that big a game, so I expect big things from him. ... He's one hell of a linebacker now, and he's got a high ceiling. He really does."
Poock, who is 6 feet 2, 230 pounds, admits he's still "raw." With two years of eligibility remaining after this season, here's how he sees steps toward improvement:
"Keeping my shoulders square in the box and not just turning and running," Poock said. "Running my feet on contact, things like that. Shedding blocks and just doing my job on every snap, instead of running around."
That might be a bit too self-critical. Claeys liked Poock's season overall. When Chippewas coach Bonamego dug a little deeper on Poock, he recognized Poock's instincts for the football.
"His ability to key and diagnose quickly," Bonamego said. "He's a physical, downhill player."
At the U, Poock lives with quarterback Mitch Leidner, center Matt Leidner and tackle Jonah Pirsig. They and other teammates saw Poock's success budding in practices.
"Watching him in spring ball and in camp, we were all whispering that he's going to be a really good player, and now he's fulfilling that prophecy, so it's really cool," said Pirsig, who said his eyes gravitate to watch Poock during games. "He has a nose for the football, and he's near every play."
Off the field, Pirsig said Poock's attire has nothing to do with trying to stand out.
"That is just who he is, a kid from Iowa, and he's not changing," Pirsig said.
Poock, Pirsig and the Leidners are all outdoorsmen. They are looking into hunting trips over spring break. Poock and tight end Lincoln Plsek might go boar hunting near Plsek's home in Texas.
Poock's flannel shirt and weathered hat will fit right in as he tries to bag a pig.
http://www.twincities.com/sports/ci_29315512/gophers-linebacker-cody-poock-always-hunting-be-it
Poock, who is 6 feet 2, 230 pounds, admits he's still "raw." With two years of eligibility remaining after this season, here's how he sees steps toward improvement:
"Keeping my shoulders square in the box and not just turning and running," Poock said. "Running my feet on contact, things like that. Shedding blocks and just doing my job on every snap, instead of running around."
That might be a bit too self-critical. Claeys liked Poock's season overall. When Chippewas coach Bonamego dug a little deeper on Poock, he recognized Poock's instincts for the football.
"His ability to key and diagnose quickly," Bonamego said. "He's a physical, downhill player."
At the U, Poock lives with quarterback Mitch Leidner, center Matt Leidner and tackle Jonah Pirsig. They and other teammates saw Poock's success budding in practices.
"Watching him in spring ball and in camp, we were all whispering that he's going to be a really good player, and now he's fulfilling that prophecy, so it's really cool," said Pirsig, who said his eyes gravitate to watch Poock during games. "He has a nose for the football, and he's near every play."
Off the field, Pirsig said Poock's attire has nothing to do with trying to stand out.
"That is just who he is, a kid from Iowa, and he's not changing," Pirsig said.
Poock, Pirsig and the Leidners are all outdoorsmen. They are looking into hunting trips over spring break. Poock and tight end Lincoln Plsek might go boar hunting near Plsek's home in Texas.
Poock's flannel shirt and weathered hat will fit right in as he tries to bag a pig.
http://www.twincities.com/sports/ci_29315512/gophers-linebacker-cody-poock-always-hunting-be-it
